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Middle School

Shannon Dishman, Head of Middle School

A Supportive Community for Grades 5-8 in an Independent School in Franklin, TN

Balancing Academics & Interpersonal Skills

In the BGA Middle School, we create an educational experience and learning environment that balances academics with the interpersonal skills needed for developing boys and girls of high character. We’ve curated a team who knows this age group and understands and cares for each one of our students, igniting their passions and encouraging them to play new sports, try new arts, and explore new interests. 

Education Elevated: A Voice in Learning

Our faculty work with students to self-advocate and to further develop agency. The ability of our students to have a voice and choice in their learning is essential to their development of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to thrive in and to adapt to diverse environments. Learn more about Education Elevated at BGA.

Dynamic Curriculum

BGA Middle School offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum that prepares students for the rigor of our Upper School. Students actively experience their education through project-based learning, and developmentally responsive practices proactively nurture individual student strengths and needs as we imagine and define personal excellence for each child.

Community and Character

With small classes and weekly advisory, we know each student well. We recognize their unique strengths and weaknesses, and the entire BGA team – teacher, coach, advisor, grade-level team leader, counselor, and dean – works together to challenge students to become the best version of themselves. 

Student Involvement

BGA understands teachable moments are everywhere, and we encourage our Middle School students to get involved and to explore their interests. We offer 30-plus clubs and organizations – chess club, student government, robotics club, rock band – and 13 athletic teams. Our fifth and sixth grade athletic teams operate on a no-cut policy, which allows students an opportunity to try their hand at any sport that interests them. 

True Independence

The independent school experience at Battle Ground Academy is just that — independent. We are bound neither by specific cultural or religious beliefs nor government mandate to teach in only one way. This type of independence results in meaningful curricula based on the needs of the individual learners in our classrooms.

With small classes, weekly advisory, and ample extracurricular offerings, every student at BGA is known—well.

Located on our Glen Echo Campus

The Middle School is located on our 62-acre Glen Echo Campus, which is just minutes from I-65 and Downtown Franklin. The Middle School is on the west side of the Glen Echo campus, while the Upper School is on the east side.

336 Ernest Rice Lane
Franklin, TN 37069

Middle School Leadership at Battle Ground Academy

Shannon Dishman

Shannon Dishman

Head of Middle School
John Millard

John Millard

Assistant Head of Middle School, US Boys Soccer
Robert Mitchell

Robert Mitchell

MS Athletic Director, MS Boys Soccer
Jeanna Reid

Jeanna Reid

MS Counselor, MS Football & Basketball Cheerleading Assistant Coach

Middle School Administrative Team at Battle Ground Academy

Charles Carlisle

Charles Carlisle

MS Math, 6th Grade Team Leader, US Volleyball Program Director
Tina DeLaughter

Tina DeLaughter

MS Nurse, MS Director of Extended Care
Angela Gist-Dowlen

Angela Gist-Dowlen

Director of Middle School Student Life, Assistant Director of Inclusion & Belonging
Jama Keener

Jama Keener

Administrative Assistant to the Head of Middle School
Reney McAtee

Reney McAtee

Teacher Mentor and Curriculum Advisor, MS STEM
Christina Milon

Christina Milon

MS History, MS Community Service Coordinator
Betsy Morgan

Betsy Morgan

MS French, 8th Grade Team Leader, MS Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
Crockett Rodriguez

Crockett Rodriguez

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, MS Girls Basketball, MS Softball Head Coach
Tina Tutt

Tina Tutt

MS Spanish, 7th Grade Team Leader, MS Girls 7th & 8th Basketball Asst. Coach, Former MS Theatre

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